In Tampa, Florida, the founder of the Grey Bull rescue organization has revealed gripping details about the daring operation to rescue Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado.

Recently honored with the Nobel Peace Prize, Machado’s plight came to the attention of Bryan Stern, who received a call just over a week ago requesting his team’s assistance in safely transporting her from Venezuela to Norway for the award ceremony.

“This mission was the most perilous we’ve ever undertaken,” Stern explained.

According to Stern, Machado has been in hiding for two years, isolated from her family, due to threats from supporters of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro who wish to see her silenced.

“The operation was incredibly intricate and fraught with danger. María is a well-known figure, arguably the second most recognizable person in the Western Hemisphere after Maduro himself. Her supporters frequently rally with her image, illustrating her significant influence,” Stern noted.

He says the operation involved elements over land, in the air and at sea.

“Maria is a hero of mine and has always been a hero of mine, but after conducting this operation and having the privilege to meet her, and see her at sea in ten foot seas, when they call her the iron lady, I always thought that was a euphemism, it;’s not true, she is as hard as nails,” said Stern.

He says the rescue was a complete success and allowed Corina to accept her Nobel Peace Prize in person.